Jane Eyre (1944)

I absolutely love the 1944 version of Charlotte Bronte’s book “Jane Eyre”, starring Joan Fontaine as Jane Eyre and Orson Welles as Edward Rochester. Each time I watch this movie I feel in a way like I’m watching it for the very first time. I still am so captivated as I watch this incredible character study of how a woman who, despite her loneliness and continued rejection that she had received in her childhood, perseveres and continues to show kindness and love to those around her. Even in her darkest and most tragic of moments she still shows such great love and forgiveness.

The story of “Jane Eyre” is divided into three parts: the time that Jane spent at Gateshead Hall as a small child with her unloving aunt, the time that Jane spent at her school at Lowood, and then her time spent as a governess at Thornfield Hall.  “Jane Eyre” is filled with tragedy, romance, mystery, and hope. And thanks to little Adele, played by Margaret O’Brien, there are so many magical and touching moments. For a young girl Margaret O’Brien did a fabulous job as the little French girl that Jane is looking after. I love the scene where Adele first surprises Jane with a little ballerina music box on Jane’s first morning at the great Thornfield Hall. There are also two other child actors that add so much to this movie: The first girl is Peggy Ann Garner who plays Jane as a young girl and the second girl is the ever popular Elizabeth Taylor who plays Jane’s best and dearest friend Helen. All three of these young actors acted well beyond their years.

Orson Welles just felt like he suited the role of Edward Rochester. Welles is such a strong actor and was able to convey Rochester’s personality in a way that has seldom been seen in the other versions of this movie. He was very believable as a forceful, proud, strong, controlling, handsome and intimidating man, and at the same time he was able to show a side that was lonely, sad, and longing for love in his life. I often wonder if the personality that Orson Welles played as Edward Rochester was very similar to his own personality.

“Jane Eyre” is such a good movie, but despite the amazing story and acting, it just wouldn’t be the same without the English countryside where this story takes place. The countryside near Jane’s school at Lowood was so beautiful. I love the scene where Jane and Helen are racing the doctor back to Lowood through the rolling hills. Then there’s the area surrounding Thornfield Hall. This area was enchanting and mystical, especially as the fog surrounded the moors around the great hall. It provides the perfect setting for the first meeting of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester.

In most movies the heroine is extremely beautiful, bold and strong willed. I like how Charlotte Bronte created Jane Eyre as plain, meek, shy and kind. She was the perfect match for Mr. Rochester. In his world of darkness he needed to know, see and experience that there was still goodness and kindness in this world. And she needed to know that she was worth loving. This is such a beautiful story and I am looking forward to watching it again. This movie also inspired me back when I was a young woman to read the story of Jane Eyre and also Wuthering Heights and other classics. I still love reading these classics. This is truly one of my favourite stories.